Minister Rau on contemporary international challenges at Economic Forum in Karpacz
07.09.2021
- When Hungary, Poland and eight other countries became EU members in 2004 following a long accession process, we were joining a significantly different European Union. We then wanted to enjoy together with other member states the benefits of the EU’s very foundations, i.e. the free market based on four freedoms. These included the free movement of persons, capital, workers, and services. Today these freedoms are floundering. We are faced with protectionist tendencies. - said the chief of Polish diplomacy during a debate titled " New challenges in international politics. The USA – Europe – Russia – China" which took place in Karpacz on 7 September 2021.
This year’s anniversary edition of the 30th Economic Forum in Karpacz is held on 7 - 9 September and has brought together numerous prominent foreign guests, including Slovenia’s Prime Minister Janez Janša, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
As part of the 30th Europe of the Carpathians Conference co-organised by the Polish Sejm, Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and his Hungarian counterpart took part in today’s discussion entitled "New challenges in international politics. The USA – Europe – Russia – China". Talking about the emerging new geopolitical global order, the chief of Polish diplomacy stressed that the biggest challenge we are facing in Europe is to defend the European integration project. - I am utterly convinced that it is worth making decisive efforts to this end. I believe the initiative to renew the European project should come from the circles that are close to us ideologically and appreciate the advantages of integration, however, on a number of issues, disagree with its outcomes. - said the Minister.
The 30th Economic Forum in Karpacz features thematic debates on selected international issues. During these debates the Polish MFA is represented also by its deputy ministers:
· on 7 September, Secretary of State Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk participated in a session titled The Western Balkans and the European Union. A Realistic Plan or a Distant Dream?;
· on 8 September, Undersecretary of State Marcin Przydacz will take part in a discussion entitled Partnership of Ukraine with NATO in the Face of Global Threats;
· on 8 September, Deputy Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk will attend the inauguration of a Polish-Czech forum;
· on 8 September, Deputy Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk will participate in a panel titled Repatriation – the balance of expenditure and effects;
· on 8 September, Deputy Minister Paweł Jabłoński will be a speaker at a seminar titled The Karpacz Forum – Five Years of the Three Seas Initiative. Achievements, Goals, Prospects for the Future.
This year’s 30th Economic Forum in Karpacz has brought together over 3,000 Polish and foreign guests. The forum is Central and Eastern Europe’s biggest platform for meetings and discussions on security, prospects for economic development, contemporary challenges, and innovative ideas.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Office
photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA
